Shaun Chen (; born September 18, 1980) is a Canadian politician who served as the member of Parliament for the riding of Scarborough North from 2015 to 2026 as a member of the Liberal Party.
Before entering federal politics, Chen served as a Toronto District School Board trustee representing Ward 21 and as the board's chair.
Early life Shaun Chen was born September 18, 1980, in Toronto to Hakka Chinese parents from India. He was raised in Scarborough, Ontario, and attended Sir John A. Macdonald Collegiate Institute. He attended the University of Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science and equity studies and a Master of Arts in sociology in education.
Political career
Municipal politics
In November 2006, Chen was elected a Toronto District School Board (TDSB) trustee representing Ward 21. He served as vice-chair of the TDSB from 2011 to 2014 before being elected chair in December 2014. He resigned as chair in August 2015 and took a leave of absence as trustee to run as a Liberal candidate in the newly established riding of Scarborough North.
Federal politics
Chen was elected to the House of Commons of Canada in the 2015 federal election, defeating incumbent NDP candidate Rathika Sitsabaiesan in Scarborough North. He was re-elected in the 2019, 2021, and 2025 elections.
On December 8, 2022, Chen introduced Motion M-63 in the House of Commons, condemning racism and calling for a national review of anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents, which had increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The private member's motion passed unanimously on June 14, 2023.
On August 10, 2026, Chen announced that he would resign from the House of Commons on August 15, citing health concerns related to a concussion he sustained in a car accident in October 2025. Chen said the injuries had prevented him from travelling to Ottawa as frequently as his parliamentary duties required.
Following his resignation from the House of Commons, Chen announced his candidacy for city councillor for Ward 23 Scarborough North in the 2026 Toronto municipal election.
Awards and recognition In 2000, Chen was named one of "100 young Canadians to watch" by Maclean's magazine. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and, in 2024, the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Electoral record
References
External links